UK ambassador welcomes al-Zaidi nomination, urges swift government formation

BAGHDAD — The United Kingdom welcomed the nomination of Ali al-Zaidi as Iraq’s prime minister-designate on Tuesday, with British Ambassador Irfan Siddiq expressing hope for a rapid government formation.

“We wish Mr. Ali al-Zaidi success in swiftly forming a new government and look forward to working with the new government on the urgent challenges facing Iraq — particularly on security and the economy,” Siddiq wrote on X.

The Coordination Framework nominated al-Zaidi Monday evening, ending a deadlock that had persisted since the November 2025 parliamentary elections. A businessman, lawyer and owner of Dijlah TV, he was described by political figures as a “compromise candidate” after five months of negotiations over the post.